Play began Monday at the 2009 US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships in Lancaster, Calif. Nine teams began their defense of regional titles at the Lancaster National Soccer Center, but most faced stiff competition. A wild game saw the So Cal Blues fall in U-17 girls play. For all the news and complete results from the Region IV Championships ...

Julie Johnson scored a hat trick to lead Arizona's Sereno White to a 4-3 win over the defending regional champion So Cal Blues in U-17 girls play. The Blues came back from a 1-0 deficit to led 2-1, fell behind again, 3-2, only to tie the score at 3-3 on U.S. youth international Elizabeth Eddy's goal. But Sereno got the last goal in the 56th minute when Johnston polished off her hat trick.

The U-14 So Cal Blues had better luck in their bid to repeat as girls champions, coming back from 2-1 down to beat Mustang Blast, 3-2.

Colorado Rush Nike, the 2008 U-18 national champion, began its defense of its regional title with an 8-0 win over Leahi Premier of Hawaii. University of Portland freshman star Danielle Foxhoven scored a hat trick in eight minutes midway through the game. Katie Martinez also had three goals, and Emmalie Pfankuch finished off the rout with two late goals.

The Slammers FC U-18 and U-16 girls teams began their quests for back-to-back regional titles with wins.

Mustang Fury, winner of last year's U-12 girls, was held to a 0-0 tie by Eastside FC Red on the first day in U-13 girls play.

In boys play, the Cisco Toros opened their bid to repeat as regional champions with a 4-0 win over Neusport of Nevada in U-19 play. Nicholas DeLeon, Antonio Valera, Brian Green and Alfredo Rico scored for the Toros.

In U-15 play, defending champion Arsenal FC was held to a 0-0 tie by Sereno White. Looking to go for a second regional championship, U-13 West Coast FC had to settle for a 1-1 tie against Crossfire Premier.